Beyond Protection: Technology and Design Moving toward Human Factors of Fire Gear

As textile technologies rapidly advance, adding thermal insulation to firefighter turnout gear has enhanced thermal protection and markedly reduced burn injuries.1 However, added thermal insulation increased bulk, reduced weight limiting mobility, and caused discomfort.2 Working in high thermal insulation personal protective equipment (PPE) and carrying equipment typically weighing 70 to 100 pounds on precarious firegrounds is challenging. Karter and Molis3 reported that sprains and strains account for 57% of on-duty injuries, much greater than burn injuries and smoke inhalation (8%), thermal stress (7%) or heart attacks (1%). In particular, trips, slips, and falls account for approximately 25% of firefighters’ fireground injuries.4 Hence, there is a need to promote mobility and comfort in firefighters’ PPE, which should be designed to maximize mobility and comfort, as well as protection.